Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday underscored the importance of EU steps to update the Customs Union and advance visa liberalization, saying "it would serve the interests of all."
According to Anadolu Agency, during a joint news conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the significant cooperation potential between Trkiye and Austria in areas such as green energy, critical minerals, high technology, transport, and the defense industry. He highlighted the possibility of implementing strategic cooperation to strengthen the Middle Corridor, a crucial trade route linking Asia to Europe via Trkiye.
Erdogan expressed a desire for continued high-level visits between Trkiye and Austria, citing the long-standing and deep-rooted ties between the two nations. He also acknowledged the Turkish community in Austria, which numbers over 400,000, as a "shared value and source of richness" for both countries. The talks also emphasized the importance of the peace and prosperity of this community.
In terms of bilateral relations, Erdogan and Stocker discussed a wide array of topics, including Trkiye-EU relations and various regional and global developments.
Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in economic and trade relations with Austria, noting the potential to increase the trade volume from approximately $4.5 billion in 2025 to a target of $5 billion this year. He highlighted the presence of more than 1,000 Austrian companies operating in Trkiye and the substantial foreign direct investment figures, with Austrian investment exceeding $11 billion and Trkiye's investments in Austria nearing $1 billion.
To further develop these stable relations, Erdogan proposed establishing an Economic and Trade Joint Committee to replace the existing Joint Economic Commission mechanism, with hopes of holding the first meeting before the year's end.
In discussing Trkiye-EU relations and regional issues, Erdogan shared his perspectives with Stocker, including the priority of ensuring Syria's territorial integrity and unity. He emphasized the importance of Austria's contribution to Syria's reconstruction process.
Erdogan reiterated Trkiye's commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, essential for lasting peace in the Middle East. He also stressed the need for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, an issue of particular concern to Chancellor Stocker.
The Turkish president concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining stability in the Balkans, a priority for both Trkiye and Austria.